Abariño? Yes, please! That’s kind of my attitude every time I see the Spanish white wine on the menu. Indeed, every time I do see it on a menu, it is a wine hailing from the motherland. So when I opened up my delivery from Eighty Four wines (a side project by Elias Fernandez and Doug Shafer of Shafer Vineyards — read more about the Eighty Four Wines project here) and saw an Albariño from one of the most esteemed Napa-based producers, I was delighted, excited, and suddenly quite thirsty…

About the Wine: The Eighty Four Wines 2017 Albariño is made from 100% Albariño grapes harvested from the Los Carneros AVA in Napa Valley, California. The wine aged in 100% stainless steel for four months.

13.8% ABV

Flavor Profile: Open the bottle of the Eighty Four Wines 2017 Albariño and breathe in Indian-summer scents of peaches, nectarines, kumquats and a warm-weather humidity. This Albariño presents a light golden hue on the pour, settling into the glass just a bit warmer, denser, with a tinge of green.

Initial aromas are of peaches, nectarines, warm honey and vanilla. Swirl and open up scents of dew-stained grass, lemongrass, white lily flowers, and hibiscus. Float the nose just above the grass to find a bit of macadamia nut and orange blossom aromas as well.

The palate of the Eighty Four Wines 2017 Albariño is soft, smooth — almost creamy except for that background of acidity that fizzes along the back palate from start to finish. The finish, in fact, simultaneously solid, incorporating a bit of texture, and lingering, introducing just a bit of white heat. Dominant flavors are of (you guessed it) those peaches and nectarines, kumquats, orange zest, hibiscus nectar, parsley, lemongrass, lime pith, and honey.

Food Pairing: I paired the Eighty Four Wines 2017 Albariño with a seafood paella. Loved this pairing! It was a welcome alternative to the hearty reds I usually pair with this dish. It perfectly cut through the peppers and spices, highlighted the innate sweetness of the shellfish, while the body of the wine was enhanced by the smooth texture of the seafood. Highly recommended. Highly.

More Info: I received the Eighty Four Wines 2017 Albariño as a sample for review. (Cheers Andy!) Retail: $28. For more information about Eighty Four wines, their available wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Eighty Four Wines website.

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